Ampelaster carolinanus

Product Info

Carolina Climbing Aster (Ampleaster carolinianus)
Aster Family

This is our latest blooming vine in North Carolina, with blooms beginning in late October and often continuing into mid-December in mild winters. The light pink to pale purple 2” flowers have delicate petals with bright yellow centers. They are considered an important late season nectar source for migrating insects like the Monarch butterfly. This is a rambling type vine that needs support if climbing is desired. It can also be left to sprawl over and around taller, bushy perennials. Best flowering and growth occur in full sun in moist soil, but will tolerate partly shady conditions as well. It is drought tolerant once established, but shouldn’t be planted in an overly dry area.

Blooms: Lavender, 6-8 weeks, Oct-Nov
Leaves: Simple, small leaves, turn shades of red and purple in the fall
Height: 8-10’
Space: 3-4’
Soil: Average-Moist
Exposure: Full sun-Part sun 
Fauna: Butterflies, bees, flies, host plant for butterflies
Seeds: White achenes typical of asters
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Zone: 6-9
Native Status: NC Native, rare in the Sandhills
Provenance: Unknown, asexually propagated